Modular unit, system, and method for curb installation

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a modular unit for a paver unit curb installation or a black top pavement installation. The modular unit includes a main body having elongate grooves for easy lifting using the lifting tool as well as bores to connect the modular units in series with elongate connectors. The modular unit may also have elongate spikes disposed through the bottom portion of the modular unit to secure the modular units in place and to further allow the curb installation to be placed atop the bottom portion of each of the modular units.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/307,133, filed on Feb. 6, 2023. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present technology relates to curb installation, and moreparticularly, to systems and methods for installing curbs for variouspurposes.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Curb installation has been utilized for many years. Generally, curbinstallations require mixing concrete and using special machinery orspecial tools to form the shape of the curb. Typical curb installationrequires several steps. One step may be preparing the ground by removinggrass or other debris. Another next step may require prepping theconcrete mixture which is comprised of sand, Portland cement, and water.Once the concrete mixture is created to the correct consistency, theconcrete mixture may be ready to be placed on the ground and formed intothe curb. Forming the shape of the curb requires special tools to carveout the concrete mixture into the desired curb shape or using specialmachinery that simultaneously ejects and shapes the concrete mixtureinto a designated shape. Minimal amounts of pressure must be gentlyapplied during this important step to ensure the concrete mixture holdsits shape.

Undesirably, one may face several concerns during this process. Morespecifically, the concrete mixture must be sculpted to the desired shapebefore the concrete mixture dries. The concrete mixture may also be madetoo wet or not wet enough and this may result in inconsistencies withinthe curb installation such as cracks forming throughout the curb.

Accordingly, there is a need for optimizing the efficiency of curbinstallation using a modular unit system and method for curbinstallation that replaces the need for manual curb formation which usesconcrete mixing and shaping.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, optimizing the efficiency ofcurb installation using a modular unit system and method for curbinstallation that replaces the need for manual curb formation which usesconcrete mixing and shaping, has surprisingly been discovered.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a modular unit for acurb system including a main body. The main body may include a frontside, a rear side, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top portionmay further include a first side and a second side with each havingelongate grooves. The main body of the modular unit may be generallyL-shaped and include a top bore and a bottom bore. The top bore may beformed through the top portion and the bottom bore may be formed throughthe bottom portion. The bottom portion may further include severalholes. Another embodiment of the present disclosure may include amodular unit for a curb system including a main body that may be arectangular block in shape with bores and elongate grooves.

The present disclosure may also provide a curb system. The curb systemmay include a plurality of modular units connected in series by severalelongate connectors. The elongate connectors may be disposed througheach of the bores in the modular units. Additionally, elongate spikesmay be disposed through the holes in the bottom portion of each of themodular units to further secure the modular units in place. The curbsystem may also include a grass turf unit, a stone leveling course, astone base comprised of crushed stones, and a sand base. Paver units maybe used to prepare a paver unit curb installation or pavement may beused to prepare a black top pavement installation atop the stone base.

The present disclosure further contemplates a method for installing acurb system. The curb system having a first modular unit and a secondmodular unit, as described hereinabove, may be provided. The firstmodular unit may be disposed adjacent to the second modular unit usingthe lifting tool. The first modular unit and the second modular unit maybe connected in series. The installation atop a bottom portion of eachof the first modular unit and the second modular unit may be finished.Ultimately, the curb system provides a more efficient installation ofcurbs.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a modular unit according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is top plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective environmental view of a curb system;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective environmental view of the curb system,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective environmental view of the curb system,according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view the curb system shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the lifting tool;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the lifting tool shown in FIG. 11 ,and further shown in use lifting the modular unit;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the modular unit according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 16 is a right-side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the curb system shown in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the curb system shown in FIG. 8 ; and

FIG. 19 is a method flowchart depicting a method of installation of acurb system, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature ofthe subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, andis not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specificinvention claimed in this application or in such other applications asmay be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuingtherefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presentedis exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps may bedifferent in various embodiments, including where certain steps may besimultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and“an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; aplurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except whereotherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in thisdescription are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and allgeometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified bythe word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of thetechnology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that thecalculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in thevalue (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately orreasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, theimprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwiseunderstood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or“substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that mayarise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientificliterature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein byreference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict orambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference andthis detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym ofnon-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is usedherein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology,embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting termssuch as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for anygiven embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, thepresent technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of,or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or processsteps excluding additional materials, components or processes (forconsisting of) and excluding additional materials, components orprocesses affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (forconsisting essentially of), even though such additional materials,components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application.For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A,B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consistingessentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recitedin the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as beingexcluded herein.

As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight ofthe total composition, unless otherwise specified. Disclosures of rangesare, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include alldistinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range.Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B”is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of valuesfor specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) arenot exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It isenvisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a givenparameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimedfor the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein tohave value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned thatParameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z.Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges ofvalues for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping ordistinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value thatmight be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example,if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may haveother ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3,3-10, 3-9, and so on.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature’s relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The present technology provides a modular unit 100 for a curb systemshown generally in the accompanying FIGS. 1-6 as well as a modular unit100′ for a curb system shown in FIGS. 13-16 . The present disclosurealso contemplates a curb system 200, shown in FIGS. 7-10 and FIGS. 17-18. The modular unit 100, 100′ may be used within the curb system 200 asdescribed below.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a modular unit 100 may include a main body 110 witha front side 112, a rear side 114, a top portion 116, and a bottomportion 118. The top portion 116 may have a first side and a second side117. The first side 115 may include a first elongate groove 120, shownin FIG. 3 , and the second side 117 may include a second elongate groove122, shown in FIGS. 1-2 . As an example, the first elongate groove 120and the second elongate groove 122 may be continuous, uninterrupted, andextend from the front side 112 of the modular unit 100 to the rear side114 of the main body 110 of the modular unit 100. Additionally, thefirst elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may each bereferred to as a “lifting groove,” because they are designed to engage alifting tool 210, as further described below. One of ordinary skill inthe art may select a suitable number of elongated grooves 120, 122within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 , and as an example, the radius of the firstelongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may be aboutone-half inch (0.5″). The first elongate groove 120 may be disposed on afirst side 115 of the modular unit 100. The second elongate groove 122may be disposed on a second side 117 of the modular unit 100, adjacentto and spaced apart from the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118at a predetermined distance. As a non-limiting example, thepredetermined distance may be about one-half inch (0.5″). One ofordinary skill in the art may select other suitable dimensions forforming the first elongate groove 120, the second elongate groove 122,and the modular unit 100 within the scope of the present disclosure.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3 , each of the first elongategroove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may be co-planar with afirst plane where the first plane may be oriented substantially parallelwith the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of the main body110. In some embodiments, the first plane may be substantiallyhorizontal upon installation of the modular unit 100. Desirably, thefirst elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may bedesigned to allow the modular unit 100 to be easily lifted and carriedusing a lifting tool 210, as depicted in FIGS. 11-12 . The lifting tool210 may have rounded ends 212 that are designed to sit comfortably inthe first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 of themodular unit 100 for gripping the modular unit 100. Advantageously, therounded ends 212 may have a radius equal to the radius of the firstelongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122, and therebyconfigured to engage with the first elongate groove 120 and the secondelongate groove 122.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , the main body 110 of the modular unit 100may be generally L-shaped, allowing the paver unit or black top pavementinstallation to sit atop the bottom portion 118 of the modular unit 100.In some embodiments, the top portion 116 may include a top portionheight (H1) and the bottom portion 118 may also include a bottom portionheight (H2). The top portion height (HI) may be less than the bottomportion height (H2). In certain embodiments, and as a non-limitingexample, the top portion height (H1) may be about three and one-halfinches (3.5″) and the bottom portion height (H2) may be about fourinches (4″). One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitabledimensions for the top portion height (H1) and the bottom portion height(H2) within the scope of the present disclosure. In a particularembodiment, the top portion 116 may also include a top portion width(W1) and the bottom portion 118 may also include a bottom portion width(W2). Generally, the top portion width (W1) is less than the bottomportion width (W2). As a non-limiting example, the top portion width(W1) may be about four inches (4″) and the bottom portion width (W2) maybe about ten inches (10″). One of ordinary skill in the art may selectsuitable dimensions for the top portion width (W1) and the bottomportion width (W2) within the scope of the present disclosure.

The top portion 116 may further include a top bore 124 formed throughthe top portion 116 from the front side 112 to the rear side 114. Thebottom portion 118 may include a bottom bore 126 formed through thebottom portion 118 from the front side 112 to the rear side 114. The topportion 116 of the main body 110 may be bisected by a second plane, andthe top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 may be disposed on a secondplane and co-planar with the second plane. As a non-limiting example,the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 may have a diameter of aboutfive-eighths of an inch (⅝″). One of ordinary skill in the art mayselect suitable dimensions for the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the top bore 124and the bottom bore 126 may be designed to allow elongate connectors 204to be placed through the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 whichultimately connects each modular unit 100 in series, as furtherdescribed below.

As non-limiting examples, the elongate connectors 204 may be formed fromsteel or fiberglass. The elongate connectors 204 may also be referred toas “fiberglass rebar,” which similarly connects each of the modularunits 100 in series. One suitable type of the elongate connectors 204may include PINKBAR® fiberglass rebar, commercially available from OwensCorning. One of ordinary skill in the art may also select other suitablematerials for the elongate connectors 204 within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-5 , the bottom portion 118 mayinclude a top side 128 and a bottom side 130 with several holes 132formed in the bottom portion 118 through the top side 128 to the bottomside 130. Advantageously, the holes 132 may be continuous anduninterrupted to allow for an object to pass through the holes 132. Assuch, the holes 132 in the bottom portion 118 of the modular unit 100may allow elongate spikes 202 to be placed through the holes 132 andinto a subgrade to secure the modular unit 100 in place. Desirably, eachof the elongate spikes 202 may be equally spaced apart on the bottomportion 118 of each of the modular units 100 to allow for a stable holdwith an equal distribution of pressure and weight. One of ordinary skillin the art may select suitable dimensions for the elongate spikes 202within the scope of the present disclosure. The elongate spikes 202 mayalso be referred to as “landscape spikes.”

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 , the present disclosure further contemplatesa curb system 200. Advantageously, the modular unit 100 may be used tobuild a variety of curbs, sidewalks, or driveways. It further eliminatesthe need for concrete mixing and special machinery or special tools toshape the concrete mixture into curbs. More specifically, FIGS. 7 and 10illustrate a paver unit installation using the modular units 100 and, insome instances, several modular units 100. The modular units 100 mayinclude a first modular unit 206 and a second modular unit 208 eachhaving a main body 110 with a front side 112, a rear side 114, a topportion 116, and a bottom portion 118. The modular units 100 may beconnected in series by the elongate connectors 204 placed through thetop bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 of the first modular unit 206 andthe second modular unit 208. Advantageously, a latex bonding agent (notshown) may be disposed in between the first modular unit 206 and thesecond modular unit 208 to keep weeds from seeping out of the modularunits 100 when connected in series. Additionally, the latex bondingagent may provide additional stability to adhere the modular units 100together, along with the elongate connectors 204. One of ordinary skillin the art may select other suitable agents for further securing themodular units 100 in series. The latex bonding agent may also bereferred to as “super sand,” which similarly may be placed in betweeneach of the modular units 100 to provide stability. The elongate spikes202 may be further disposed through the holes 132 in the bottom portion118 of each of the modular units 100 and into a subgrade, securing themodular units 100 in place.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7-10 , the curb system 200 may alsoinclude a stone leveling course 233, a stone base 207, a sand base 201,and paver units 211. In some embodiments, the curb system 200 mayinclude an optional geo-grid fabric 203 disposed under the stone base207 and over the top of stone leveling course 233. The geo-grid fabric203 may be made of metal and have several ribs 205 arranged in a latticewhich define many apertures. Advantageously, the geo-grid fabric 203 maybe placed under the stone base 207 for increased stability of the curbinstallation atop the bottom portion 118 of the modular units 100. Thestone base 207 may be disposed adjacent to the bottom portion 118 ofeach of the modular units 100. In some instances, the stone base 207 maybe comprised of numerous crushed stones 209 which may cover the top ofthe optional geo-grid fabric 203 and the stone leveling course 233.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 10 , the sand base 201 may be disposed onthe upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of the modular unit 100extending over the top of the stone base 207. In some embodiments, thesand base 201 may include a predetermined height, a predetermined width,and a predetermined length. One of ordinary skill in the art may selectsuitable dimensions for forming the sand base 201 within the scope ofthe present disclosure. The sand base 201 may also include a top surfacethat is flattened to allow the paver units 211 to be placed on the topsurface. The paver units 211 may include a front side 213, a rear side215, a top side 217, and bottom side 219 and are disposed adjacent toone another for a paver unit curb installation.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 , the curb system 200 may further include agrass turf unit 221 having a bottom portion 223 comprised of dirt 225and a top portion 227 comprised of grass 229. The top portion 227 andthe bottom portion 223 may have a predetermined height and the grassturf unit 221 may have a predetermined width. One of ordinary skill inthe art may select suitable dimensions for the grass turf unit 221within the scope of the present disclosure. The grass turf unit 221 maybe further disposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100.

In contrast, FIGS. 8 and 18 illustrate a black top pavementinstallation. The curb system 200 may include several modular units 100.The modular units 100 may include a first modular unit 206 and a secondmodular unit 208. The modular units 100 may be connected in series bythe elongate connectors 204 placed through the top bore 124 and thebottom bore 126. As described hereinabove, the latex bonding agent maybe disposed in between the first modular unit 206 and the second modularunit 208 to keep weeds from seeping out of the modular units 100 whenconnected in series and to add additional stability to lock the modularunits 100 together. The elongate spikes 202 may be further disposedthrough the holes 132 in the bottom portion 118 of each of the modularunits 100 and into a subgrade, securing the modular units 100 in place.In contrast to the paver unit installation as depicted in FIG. 7 , thegrass turf unit 221 may be placed adjacent to and on top of the uppersurface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100for the black top pavement installation. More specifically, the grassturf unit 221 may be disposed on an opposite side of the pavement 231with each of the modular units 100 securely placed in between the grassturf unit 221 and the black top pavement installation.

Additionally, with further reference to FIGS. 8 and 18 , the curb system200 may include a stone leveling course 233, a stone base 207 comprisedof numerous crushed stones 209, and pavement 231. The stone base 207 maybe disposed on the top of the stone leveling course 233. The pavement231 may be disposed on the top surface of the stone base 207 adjacent toeach of the modular units 100. In some embodiments, the pavement 231 mayinclude a predetermined length, a predetermined width, and apredetermined height. One of ordinary skill in the art may selectsuitable dimensions for the pavement 231 within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 13-16 , and in another embodiment of thedisclosure, the modular unit 100′ may be a rectangular block in shapeinstead of having an L-shape like the modular unit 100. For purpose ofclarity, structure shown in FIGS. 13-16 that is like or related tostructure shown in FIGS. 1-6 , is depicted with the same referencenumber and a prime symbol (′).

In contrast to the modular unit 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 with anL-shape, the modular unit 100′ shown in FIGS. 13-16 illustrate the firstelongate groove 120′ and the second elongate groove 122′ disposed on thefirst side 115′ and second side 117′ of the modular unit 100′. The firstelongate groove 120′ and the second elongate groove 122′ may have aone-half inch (0.5″) radius. One of ordinary skill in the art may selectother suitable dimensions for forming the modular unit 100′ within thescope of the present disclosure. Additionally, each of the firstelongate groove 120′ and the second elongate groove 122′ may beco-planar with a first plane. In some embodiments, the first plane maybe substantially horizontal upon installation of the modular unit 100′.The first elongate groove 120′ and the second elongate groove 122′ aredesigned to allow the modular unit 100′ to be easily lifted and carriedusing the lifting tool 210, as depicted in FIGS. 11-12 . The liftingtool 210 may have rounded ends 212 that are designed to sit comfortablyin the first elongate groove 120′ and the second elongate groove 122′ ofthe modular unit 100′ for gripping.

Additionally, the modular unit 100′ may have bottom bores 126′ disposedfrom the front side 112′ to the rear side 114′ of the modular unit 100′.As a non-limiting example, the bottom bores 126′ may have a diameter ofabout five-eighths of an inch (⅝″). One of ordinary skill in the art mayselect other suitable dimensions for forming the bottom bores 126′ andthe modular unit 100′ within the scope of the present disclosure. Thebottom bores 126′ allow elongate connectors 204 to be placed through thebottom bores 126′ to connect each modular unit 100′ in series. Incontrast to the modular unit 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6 , the modular unit100′ shown in FIGS. 13-16 does not provide a bottom portion 118 withholes 132 to allow elongate spikes 202 to be disposed through the holes132. The modular unit 100′ may simply be secured in place using theelongate connectors 204 through the bottom bores 126′.

FIGS. 9 and 17 illustrate the curb system 200 according to someembodiments of the present disclosure. Advantageously, the modular unit100′ may be used to build a variety of curbs, sidewalks, or driveways.It further eliminates the need for concrete mixing and special machineryor special tools to shape the concrete mixture into curbs. Inparticular, FIGS. 9 and 17 depict a curb installation using a modularunit 100′ as shown in FIGS. 13-16 . The curb system 200 includes severalmodular units 100′. The modular units 100′ may include a first modularunit 206′ and a second modular unit 208′. In contrast to the curb systeminstallation depicted in FIGS. 7 and 10 , the modular units 100′ areconnected in series by the elongate connectors 204 placed through thebottom bores 126′. As described hereinabove, the latex bonding agent maybe disposed in between the first modular unit 206′ and the secondmodular unit 208′ to keep weeds from seeping out of the modular units100′ when connected in series and to add additional stability to lockthe modular units 100′ together.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 17 , the curb system 200 mayfurther include a stone leveling course 233, a stone base 207 comprisedof numerous crushed stones 209, and pavement 231. In some embodiments,the curb system 200 may include an optional geo-grid fabric 203 disposedunder the stone base 207 and over the top of stone leveling course 233.The geo-grid fabric 203 may be made of metal and have several ribs 205arranged in a lattice which define many apertures. The stone base 207may be disposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100′ and on thetop of the optional geo-grid fabric 203 and the stone leveling course233. The pavement 231 may be disposed on the top surface of the stonebase 207.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 17 , the curb system 200 may furtherinclude a grass turf unit 221 having a bottom portion 223 comprised ofdirt 225 and a top portion 227 comprised of grass 229. In someembodiments, the top portion 227 and the bottom portion 223 may have apredetermined height and the grass turf unit 221 may have apredetermined width. One of ordinary skill in the art may selectsuitable dimensions for the grass turf unit 221 within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The grass turf unit 221 is disposed adjacent to eachof the modular units 100′ as shown in FIGS. 9 and 17 .

The present disclosure further contemplates a method 300, shown in FIG.19 . In a first step 302, several modular units 100, 100′ may beprovided. The modular units 100, 100′ may include a first modular unit206, 206′ and a second modular unit 208, 208′ where each of the modularunits 100, 100′ have a main body 110, 110′ with a front side 112, 112′,a rear side 114, 114′, a top portion 116, 116′, and a bottom portion118, 118′ as described hereinabove. The modular unit 100 may alsoinclude a top bore 124 formed through the top portion 116 from the frontside 112 to the rear side 114 of the modular unit 100. Additionally, themodular unit 100 may include a bottom bore 126 formed through the bottomportion 118 from the front side 112 to the rear side 114 of the modularunit 100. In another embodiment and in contrast, the modular unit 100′may include bottom bores 126′ formed through the top portion 116′ fromthe front side 112′ to the rear side 114′ of the modular unit 100′.

In a second step 304, the first modular unit 206, 206′ may be disposedadjacent to the second modular unit 208, 208′. More specifically, therear side 114, 114′ of the first modular unit 206, 206′ may be disposedadjacent to the front side 112, 112′ of the second modular unit 208,208′ using the lifting tool 210.

The first modular unit 206, 206′ may be connected to the second modularunit 208, 208′ in series, in a third step 306. Advantageously, the firstmodular unit 206 may be connected to the second modular unit 208 bydisposing the elongate connectors 204 through the top bore 124 of thefirst modular unit 206 and into the top bore 124 of the second modularunit 208 as well as disposing the elongate connectors 204 through thebottom bore 126 of the first modular unit 206 and into the bottom bore126 of the second modular unit 208. In another embodiment, the firstmodular unit 206′ may be connected to the second modular unit 208′ bydisposing the elongate connectors 204 through the bottom bores 126′ ofthe first modular unit 206′ into the bottom bores 126′ of the secondmodular unit 208′.

In a fourth step 308, the installations above the bottom portion 118,118′ of each of the modular units 100, 100′ may be finalized. Thefinalization above the bottom portion 118, 118′ may include eitherfinishing a paver unit installation atop the bottom portion 118, 118′ ofeach of the modular units 100, 100′ or finishing a black top pavementinstallation atop the bottom portion 118, 118′ of each of the modularunits 100, 100′.

The finalization of a paver unit installation atop the bottom portion118, 118′ of each of the modular units 100, 100′ method may includeexcavating a ground surface in order to provide an excavated path. Astone leveling course 233 may be applied to the excavated path. The stepfurther includes disposing an optional geo-grid fabric 203 on the stoneleveling course 233. A stone base 207 may be comprised of numerouscrushed stones 209 and disposed adjacent to the bottom portion 118, 118′of the modular units 100, 100′. The step additionally may includeplacing a sand base 201 on the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion118 of each of the modular units 100 as well as on top the stone base207. In another embodiment, the sand base 201 may be placed adjacent tothe bottom portion 118′ of each of the modular units 100′ and on top ofthe stone base 207. The sand base 201 may be flattened to provide asmooth surface for the paver units 211 to be placed on the top of thesand base 201. Finally, in some embodiments, the paver units 211 may bedisposed on the top of the sand base 201 where the rear side 215 of eachpaver unit is disposed adjacent to the front side 213 of each paver unit211 to complete the paver unit curb installation. In some embodiments, agrass turf unit 221 may be disposed adjacent to each of the modularunits 100, 100′ opposite the paver unit installation.

The finalization of a black top pavement installation atop the bottomportion 118, 118′ of each of the modular units 100, 100′ method includesexcavating a ground surface in order to provide an excavated path. Astone leveling course 233 may be applied to the excavated path. Further,a stone base 207 may be comprised of numerous crushed stones 209 anddisposed adjacent to the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units100, 100′. The step additionally includes disposing the black toppavement on the top of the stone base 207 to further complete the blacktop pavement installation. In some embodiments, a grass turf unit 221may be disposed on an upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 ofeach of the modular units 100 opposite the black top pavementinstallation. In another embodiment, the grass turf unit 221 may bedisposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100′ opposite the blacktop pavement installation.

Advantageously, the modular unit 100, 100′ and the curb system 200 ofthe present disclosure provide for efficient curb installation usingeither the modular unit 100 or the modular unit 100′. In particular, themodular unit 100, 100′ eliminates the need for concrete mixing thatfurther includes using special machinery or special tools to shape theconcrete mixture into curbs. The modular unit 100, 100′ further providescurb systems 200 that may accommodate paver unit installations as wellas black top pavement installations. The modular unit 100, 100′ may alsobe used to build sidewalks and driveways, and many other installations.Finally, the modular unit 100, 100′ and the curb system 200 provide forsturdy and long-lasting curb installations due to the unique embodimentsof the present disclosure as described hereinabove.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations ofsome embodiments, materials, compositions and methods may be made withinthe scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular unit for a curb system, comprising: amain body having a front side, a rear side, a top portion, and a bottomportion, the top portion having a first side and a second side, thefirst side having a first elongate groove and the second side having asecond elongate groove.
 2. The modular unit of claim 1, wherein each ofthe first elongate groove and the second elongate groove is continuous,uninterrupted, and extends from the front side to the rear side of themain body.
 3. The modular unit of claim 1, wherein the second elongategroove is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from an upper surface ofthe bottom portion at a predetermined distance.
 4. The modular unit ofclaim 3, wherein the predetermined distance is about one-half inch(0.5″).
 5. The modular unit of claim 3, wherein each of the firstelongate groove and the second elongate groove is co-planar with a firstplane.
 6. The modular unit of claim 5, wherein the first plane isoriented substantially parallel with the upper surface of the bottomportion of the main body.
 7. The modular unit of claim 5, wherein thefirst plane is substantially horizontal upon installation of the modularunit.
 8. The modular unit of claim 1, wherein the first elongate groovehas a one-half inch (0.5″) radius.
 9. The modular unit of claim 1,wherein the top portion has a top bore formed through the top portionfrom the front side to the rear side, the bottom portion has a bottombore formed through the bottom portion from the front side to the rearside, and the top portion of the main body is bisected by a secondplane, and the top bore and the bottom bore are disposed on andco-planar with the second plane.
 10. The modular unit of claim 1,wherein the bottom portion has a top side and a bottom side, and aplurality of holes is formed in the bottom portion from the top side tothe bottom side.
 11. The modular unit of claim 1, wherein the topportion has a top portion width and the bottom portion has a bottomportion width, the top portion width being less than the bottom portionwidth.
 12. The modular unit of claim 11, where the top portion width isabout four inches (4″) and the bottom portion width is about ten inches(10″).
 13. The modular unit of claim 1, wherein the top portion has atop portion height and the bottom portion has a bottom portion height,the top portion height being less than the bottom portion height. 14.The modular unit of claim 13, where the top portion height is aboutthree and one-half inches (3.5″) and the bottom portion height is aboutfour inches (4″).
 15. The modular unit of claim 1, wherein the main bodyis one of generally L-shape and generally rectangular block in shape.16. A curb system, comprising: a plurality of modular units including afirst modular unit and a second modular unit, each of the modular unitshaving a main body having a front side, a rear side, a top portion, anda bottom portion, the top portion having a first side and a second side,the first side having a first elongate groove and the second side havinga second elongate groove, wherein the modular units are connected inseries.
 17. The curb system of claim 16, wherein the top portion of eachof the modular units has a top bore formed through the top portion fromthe front side to the rear side, and the bottom portion of each of themodular units has a bottom bore formed through the bottom portion fromthe front side to the rear side.
 18. The curb system of claim 17,further comprising a plurality of elongate connectors, each of theelongate connectors disposed through the top bores and bottom bores ofeach of the modular units, whereby the modular units are connected. 19.A method for installation of a curb system, comprising steps of:providing a plurality of modular units including a first modular unitand a second modular unit, each of the modular units having a main bodyhaving a front side, a rear side, a top portion, and a bottom portion,the top portion having a first side and a second side, the first sidehaving a first elongate groove and the second side having a secondelongate groove; disposing the first modular unit adjacent to the secondmodular unit; connecting the first modular unit to the second modularunit in series; and finishing an installation atop the bottom portion ofeach of the modular units.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the stepof finishing the installation atop the bottom portion of each of themodular units includes one of the steps of: finishing a paver unitinstallation atop the bottom portion of each of the modular units;finishing a black top pavement installation atop the bottom portion ofeach of the modular units.